Selling a Business in Elk County
Elk County has 898 employer businesses, and 86% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows the local mix of industries and how a sale is handled here. The largest industries here are manufacturing and health care and social assistance.
Areas in Pennsylvania
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Elk County by the numbers
898
898
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
86%
86%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
1,611
1,611
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
12,841
12,841
EMPLOYMENT
$666 million
$666 million
ANNUAL PAYROLL
427
427
BUSINESSES WITH 5 TO 49 EMPLOYEES
U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 and Nonemployer Statistics 2024. Counts are employer establishments, meaning business locations with paid employees.
How Elk County compares
Elk County ranks 52nd of 67 Pennsylvania counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 2.9% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 14% of employer businesses in Elk County, compared with 4% in Pennsylvania.
427 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Elk County ranks 52nd of 67 Pennsylvania counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 2.9% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 14% of employer businesses in Elk County, compared with 4% in Pennsylvania.
427 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Manufacturing: 130 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 113 employer businesses
Retail: 113 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 107 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 82 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Manufacturing: 130 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 113 employer businesses
Retail: 113 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 107 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 82 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Elk County
Manufacturing, health care and social assistance, retail, repair, personal care and other services
Every kind of business we sell in Elk County
These are the industries in Elk County and the number of employer businesses in each. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Manufacturing
102 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Metal Fabrication: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Construction & Engineering
70 related employer businesses in Elk County.
General Contracting: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Landscaping: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Electrical: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
66 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
49 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Primary & Family Care: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
36 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Auto Repair: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
31 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
27 related employer businesses in Elk County.
General Freight Trucking: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
25 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Insurance Agencies: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
16 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Bars & Pubs: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
15 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Hair Salons: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
15 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Gas Stations: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Hospitality & Travel
15 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Hotels: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
14 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
9 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Health & Fitness
8 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Yoga Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Education & Childcare
7 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Daycare Centers: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
6 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
5 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Residential Cleaning: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
4 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Waste Management & Recycling: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
These are the industries in Elk County and the number of employer businesses in each. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Manufacturing
102 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Metal Fabrication: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Construction & Engineering
70 related employer businesses in Elk County.
General Contracting: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Landscaping: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Electrical: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
66 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
49 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Primary & Family Care: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
36 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Auto Repair: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
31 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
27 related employer businesses in Elk County.
General Freight Trucking: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
25 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Insurance Agencies: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
16 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Bars & Pubs: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
15 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Hair Salons: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
15 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Gas Stations: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Hospitality & Travel
15 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Hotels: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
14 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
9 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Health & Fitness
8 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Yoga Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Education & Childcare
7 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Daycare Centers: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
6 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
5 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Residential Cleaning: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
4 related employer businesses in Elk County.
Waste Management & Recycling: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Working with owners in Elk County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Elk County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Elk County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Elk County?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers.
How is a business valued in Elk County?
Valuation starts with the earnings the business produces for an owner, then adjusts for assets, size, industry and the terms a buyer is likely to accept. The result is a range, and the asking price is set inside it.
Is the sale confidential?
Buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name of the business or its financial statements.
FROM OUR BLOG
Guides for owners in Elk County
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article